Category Archives: Next Level Ballplayer

Prospect Perspectives with Dodgers’ Alex Castellanos

Posted on May 14, 2012 by Franco

This week we are joined by one of the Dodgers’ top prospects, Alex Castellanos. Alex was a tenth round draft pick by the Cardinals in 2007 and then traded to the Dodgers last season in a deal for Rafael Furcal. … Continue reading →

Posted in Hitting, Interview, Next Level Ballplayer, Prospect Perspectives | Tagged , , , , , , | 0

Sean Casey on Hitting, Hustle and More (Video)

Posted on March 14, 2012 by Franco

This week we are joined by longtime MLB hitting machine Sean Casey. Nicknamed “The Mayor” and known for being a great guy, Casey hit .302 over his 12 year career in the big leagues. Before getting drafted in the 2nd … Continue reading →

Posted in Next Level Ballplayer | Tagged , , , | 3

‘How to be a Great Infielder and Slow the Game Down’ with Fielding Guru Juan Castro

Posted on March 6, 2012 by Franco

Today, we have a treat for infielders out there who want to learn from one of the best. We are joined by current Los Angeles Dodgers infield coach and longtime Major League infielder, Juan Castro. Juan had a .229 batting … Continue reading →

Posted in MLB Clubhouse Convos, Next Level Ballplayer | Tagged , , | 2

Open Spots for NLB’s Dominican Team

Posted on February 25, 2012 by Franco

Hey guys, I’m pumped to tell you about a unique opportunity that is available this summer. I am putting together a team of 15 high school baseball players (2012, 2013 and 2014 grads) to go to the Dominican Republic for … Continue reading →

Posted in Next Level Ballplayer | Tagged , | 0

NLB’s 2011 MVP Vote

Posted on October 1, 2011 by Franco

If you’ve been a reader of Next Level Ballplayer, you know that I try to make every post “Evergreen Content”, meaning the content will be just as valuable today as someone reading it 3 years from now.  With that being … Continue reading →

Posted in Next Level Ballplayer | Tagged , , | 5

Are You Good Enough to Play D1 Baseball? Here’s How to Know…

Posted on September 28, 2011 by Franco

Just about every serious high school baseball player wants to play Division I (D1) baseball. The reality is that most of them won’t.  My former college coach, Tracy Smith (now head coach at Indiana University), likes to say, “Every serious … Continue reading →

Posted in College Recruiting/Scouting, Next Level Ballplayer | Tagged , , , , | 10

A Raw Look Inside College Baseball Recruiting

Posted on September 15, 2011 by Franco

The other day I received this email from Indiana University’s head baseball coach Tracy Smith. Franco, Thought of you after drafting this email back to a parent today. You might be able to use this someway with your blog.  I … Continue reading →

Posted in College Recruiting/Scouting, Next Level Ballplayer | Tagged , , , | 19

One MLB Scout’s Take on Showcases, the Scouting Process, and More

Posted on September 2, 2011 by Franco

I recently posted an article about what college coaches are looking for when scouting high school prospects. Since then, I’ve received several questions from players and parents about how the MLB scouting process works. Better than hearing it from me, … Continue reading →

Posted in College Recruiting/Scouting, Next Level Ballplayer | Tagged , , , , , , , | 0

Top 10 Ways Catchers Can Stand Out to Scouts

Posted on September 1, 2011 by Franco

Just recently I was reconnected with someone whom I played against in high school and college- Joe Wilkins, founder of JoeWilkinsCatching.com. Joe played his college ball at Ohio State and has since coached at Wake Forest, Pepperdine, and now Tiffin … Continue reading →

Posted in Catching, College Recruiting/Scouting, Next Level Ballplayer | Tagged , , , , , | 4

How to Stand Out in Front of Baseball Scouts

Posted on August 25, 2011 by Franco

What do college coaches look for when they are scouting? This is probably the most common question I get from High School baseball players all over the country.  If your goal is to play college ball, than that’s the natural … Continue reading →

Posted in College Recruiting/Scouting, Next Level Ballplayer | Tagged , , | 2